Proposed Code

Below is the current draft of the proposed new Somerville Zoning Ordinance. A change log and previous drafts are at the bottom for reference. To see what district your property is located under in the proposal check the Zoning Atlas.

Article 2: Overview & Guide explains how the ‘building type’ based system of the proposed Ordinance functions, describes each line item from the building type tables, provides instruction for how to measure each requirement, and includes other standards and reference information.

Joint Hearing – Land Use Committee & Planning Board (03/12/2019) – Slides (Open Space Only)This Joint Hearing was for four different proposed Zoning Amendments. Two different amendments related to Open Space/Public Space, a proposed Tree Protection Ordinance submitted by City Councilor’s Neidergang and Scott, and a resubmittal of the September draft of the proposed new Somerville Zoning Ordinance to facilitate ongoing discussion.

Land Use Committee Meeting (12/04/2018) – Presentation Slides, VideoThis meeting pertained to a zoning amendment of the existing code related to open space requirements. However, the meeting encompassed a broader review of open space planning in the context of the existing zoning and the zoning overhaul.

Land Use Committee Meeting (11/27/2018) – Presentation Slides, Video (starts 2h 35m)This meeting pertained to a zoning amendment of the existing code, primarily recreational marijuana, and a discussion about the density differences between the station areas in the zoning overhaul.

Land Use Committee Meeting (11/13/2018) – VideoThis meeting primarily pertained to zoning amendments of the existing code and developing a work plan with the board for future zoning overhaul meetings.